Marking National Pet Day, Akasa Air announced that it has successfully flown over 6,200 pets since launching its pet travel initiative, ‘Pets on Akasa’, in November 2022. The service allows customers to travel with their pets in the cabin or as cargo, depending on the pet’s weight. The development reflects a growing trend in India as more travellers seek inclusive options that accommodate pet ownership.
Of the pets flown, 66% were dogs and 34% were cats. Bengaluru led as the busiest hub for pet travel, accounting for 31% of total pet journeys, followed by Delhi and Mumbai. The most travelled routes included Bengaluru–Delhi, Delhi–Bengaluru, and Mumbai–Delhi, indicating consistent demand on key metro routes.
In May 2024, Akasa Air implemented two key service enhancements: increasing the in-cabin pet weight limit to 10 kg (including the carrier), and extending the validity of pet travel certificates from 3 to 15 days. These measures aimed to provide additional flexibility and convenience for pet owners.
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The airline has trained its staff across touchpoints and collaborated with the Gurgaon-based Umeed for Animals Foundation to align its processes with animal welfare best practices. The collaboration supports continuous refinement of its services, focusing on pet safety and comfort.
Customer feedback has played a central role in shaping the service. Akasa Air’s initiative is seen as a response to the rising popularity of pet tourism and is indicative of broader shifts in travel behaviour in India. The airline says it will continue to adapt to meet evolving passenger expectations in this segment.
